Meet the Team

Executive Director | ICD Consultant

Matthew is the Executive Director of The Open Table and brings a unique background as both a family law attorney and a Marriage and Family Therapist. His work is shaped by a deep commitment to helping people feel understood and supported as they navigate life’s challenges. In addition to his leadership role, Matthew trains and consults with therapists, pastors, and leaders, equipping them to grow in both personal well-being and effectiveness. He and his wife, Leah - also a therapist at The Open Table - share a dedication to cultivating spaces of healing, growth, and meaningful connection within their community.

Matthew holds a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and both an M.A. and Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University.

Drew serves as the Director of Operations at The Open Table and brings a background in pastoral ministry, missions, and spiritual direction. His journey has included years of seminary training, global mission work, and church leadership, all of which shaped his passion for walking with people in their faith and personal growth. At The Open Table, Drew combines organizational leadership with individual care and development, helping to foster a culture of trust, healing, and spiritual transformation.

Drew holds an M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care and an M.A. in Theology from Talbot School of Theology.

Leah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at The Open Table who has been serving the Orange County area since 2016. She provides trauma-informed, relationally grounded care to individuals, couples, and families, helping them find healing, clarity, and growth. Leah approaches her work with compassion and understanding, supporting people as they navigate life’s challenges and strengthen their connections with others.

Leah holds an M.A. Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University.

Heather is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at The Open Table who is passionate about walking alongside individuals, couples, and families in their journey toward healing and wholeness. Her background includes both ministry leadership and professional training in therapy, experiences that together shaped her deep commitment to entering sacred spaces of growth and restoration with others. Heather approaches her work with hope and care, seeking to create opportunities for meaningful connection and lasting change. 

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

With a background in education and counseling ministry, Vanessa has a heart for supporting individuals, students, couples, and families as they navigate the challenges and transitions of life. She helps people better understand their stories and relationships, rediscover their sense of identity, and move toward greater connection, healing, and growth.

Vanessa holds an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Talbot School of Theology.

Lori brings a background in nursing, ministry, and global missions, with a calling to care for others both physically and emotionally. She has worked as a cardiology nurse and school nurse, supporting students with a wide range of developmental and medical needs. Through personal experiences of loss, illness, and healing, she has developed a deep sense of empathy and a growing awareness of God’s presence in both suffering and restoration. Her journey with The Open Table has deepened her relationship with God and strengthened her passion for helping others experience healing and growth. She and her husband, Ted, have been married for over thirty years and have served in ministry together, including mission work in Serbia and Bosnia.

Alicia is an ICD Consultant and Spiritual Director at The Open Table. After serving 10 years on pastoral staff, she has spent the past 15 years practicing spiritual direction through independent practice, Talbot Seminary, and Westmont Seminary. Alicia has extensive experience training and supervising spiritual directors, teaching spiritual formation, and developing programs and retreats that support spiritual growth. She has a particular heart for supporting church leaders, women, and those navigating loss, and considers it a deep privilege to walk alongside people in their journey toward greater awareness, healing, and intimacy with God.

Alicia holds an M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot School of Theology.

Sheila is a Spiritual Director at The Open Table with a background in healthcare, women’s ministry, and soul care. She spent 17 years in leadership with Community Bible Study and later served in crisis pregnancy support before stepping into the ministry of spiritual direction. Sheila now offers compassionate listening and creates safe, confidential spaces for others to explore their life with God. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside people as they experience God’s care, healing, and presence.

Sheila holds an M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot School of Theology.