Meet the Team

Elise Rodriguez, LMFT

EMDR, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Couples

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My name is Elise Rodriguez. I am the Owner and Director of Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center Inc. and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My passion is you. I have a strong desire to see you walk in freedom and live your best life That’s why I started Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center, to help more people heal and receive the care they deserve.

I too have experienced a lot of what life can throw your way. I have buried loved ones, struggled with depression in the past, experienced trauma, raised four daughters, been married since I was 21 years old to a military spouse, and dealt with drug addiction and alcoholism in my own family. I’ve been through a lot in my life as you can see but I came through it healed, happy, and full of joy. You can too.

I am a certified EMDR therapist, an EMDR Consultant in Training with EMDRIA and the Parnell Institute, and a CAMFT-certified supervisor. My specialty is trauma, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I’m also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, for couples, therapy for children, and Mindfulness/calming techniques. I believe in healing the whole person, not just the mind. A full life requires healing in the body, soul, and spirit; therefore, I never stop learning. We believe in bringing you the best treatments to help you heal. You are too important.

Healing is a journey. My goal as the owner of Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center is to be there for you as you navigate your healing journey. I believe in raising up therapists who are strong in their skills, put you first, and help you become the best version of who you were created to be.

We are here for you. Call or email today to get started on your journey toward a life filled with joy and peace.

Juan Castro, AMFT

Couples, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, EFT, DBT

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Life is both breathtakingly beautiful and profoundly challenging. One moment, we’re experiencing joy, connection, and purpose; the next, we’re grappling with uncertainty, pain, or feeling stuck. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure about the path ahead, I want you to know—you’re not alone.

I’m Juan Castro, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, born and raised in San Diego. I’m also a husband and father, roles that have deeply shaped how I understand relationships, resilience, and healing. It’s my privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s ups and downs. Healing isn’t about erasing difficult moments—it’s about moving through them with strength, self-compassion, and hope.

I deeply believe in our innate capacity for growth and transformation. I’ve seen people move from hopelessness to rediscovering joy, from feeling stuck to embracing new possibilities—like a flower opening to the sun after a storm. I also know what it’s like to carry the weight of uncertainty, to feel the grip of anxiety, and to question what the future holds. I don’t just understand struggle from a clinical perspective—I’ve lived it. That lived experience has shaped not only who I am but also how I show up as a therapist: with empathy, authenticity, and a deep belief in the power of healing.

Whether you’re navigating grief and loss, existential uncertainty, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflicts, or stress, I provide a safe, supportive space where you can be seen and heard without judgment. My approach is rooted in evidence-based modalities, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Trauma-Informed Interventions
Gottman Level 1 (for couples therapy)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

While these approaches provide a strong foundation, true healing happens within the therapeutic relationship—a space where you feel supported in a way that allows transformation to unfold.

If you’re ready to take that first step toward healing, I’d be honored to support you. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together.

Reach out today. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Ana Wheeler, AMFT

Kids, Teens, Couples, Eating Disorders, Anxiety

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Hello! My name is Ana Wheeler and I am an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist. I love this work because of the relationships and connections that are built, and the growth and healing I get to witness in the lives of those I have the honor of working with.

I grew up learning firsthand what it was like to suffer from crippling anxiety and its
impact on my loved ones and my own quality of life. Over time I have learned to look at these experiences with gratitude because of the empathy that grew in me as a result, and that now enables me to understand and help others.

I quickly realized that my love for this kind of work and the relationships I built could not be contained inside the walls of those buildings and the limits of an undergraduate degree and that I wanted to do so much more.

During graduate school, I gained experience working with adults struggling with substance use at Sharp Mesa Vista, and honing my skills as an individual and couples therapist. I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults and their families to help them navigate recovery from eating disorders. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman Therapy for couples and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

I am passionate about finding the strategies that work best for you, and it is my hope
that I will be able to walk alongside you.

I’m excited for you, and would love to be part of your journey!

Julia Wolfe

Billing and Insurance Coordinator

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Hi, I’m Julia Wolfe, the Office Administrator and Intake Specialist at Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center. I handle your phone calls and manage your paperwork needs!

With a professional background in hospitality management, I’ve had the pleasure of working with renowned companies like Marriott International and Ritz-Carlton Hotels. After a successful career in hospitality, I chose to pivot my skills toward helping others. I’m currently pursuing a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Holistic Medicine at Pacific College of Health Sciences. Additionally, I am a Certified Birth Doula and volunteer with military families in the area. I am passionate about empowering others to learn the skills needed to live a full and healthy life!

Our team is dedicated to helping our clients heal, live confidently, and embrace their purpose. Working here not only gives me hope for healing but also brings me joy to see everyone, uniquely crafted by God, find the support and tools they need for their journey.